Iconicity Atlas
homesitemap



Language (dialect):
Name (voluntarily):
Age (voluntarily):
Home town / Region of the country
where you grew up / lived the most of your life:
E-mail:


Instructions:

  • Please read the instruction and the questions carefully;
  • Abbreviations int., n. add v. stand for interjection, noun and verb respectively;
  • If your language has ideophones, please enter them under interjection, adding (id.) in parentheses;
  • Your answers should NOT be a direct translation of the name of the concept given in the first column – the name of the concept is just an umbrella term for a group of semantically related sound denotations (e.g. under LAUGH are grouped English giggle, guffaw, snigger etc.);
  • More than one answer is possible (e.g. for the concept LAUGH you may enter (int.) ha-ha, ho-ho, (n.) laughter, giggle, snigger etc. separated by commas);
  • It is possible that your language may not contain words for denoting all the listed concepts, or the concepts might not be expressed by certain parts of speech (most probably, there would be no interjection); in this case kindly indicate the absence of a word by dash ‘—’;
  • One word may be suitable for describing several concepts (e.g. English cry is used to denote two concepts – WHEEP and SHOUT);
  • You are most welcome to give your own comments upon usage or origin of the words in the section ‘Comments’.
  • If your language uses an alphabet other than Latin or other writing systems (e.g. hieroglyphs), please provide a transcription. If you have never transcribed your language and/or not sure how to do the transcription, provide only the written form of the word.



N Name of iconic concept Question(s) Answer(s) Comments
1. BANG How do you imitate a short loud explosive noise, as of a bomb, bursting of a balloon or a discharge of a gun? How do you name such sound? How do you name the action of producing such sound?
int.
v.
n.
2. BARK How do you imitate the sound(s) uttered by a dog? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
3. BEEP How do you imitate a short, relatively high-pitched tone produced by a horn, electronic device, or the like as a signal, summons, or warning? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
4. BITE How do you name an act of gripping, cutting off or tearing with the teeth or jaws and a sound accompanying such action?
int.
v.
n.
5. BLEAT How do you imitate a cry of a sheep or a goat? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
6. BLOW How do you name an act performed when one produces or emits a current of air, as with the mouth or bellows (e.g. while extinguishing a candle, exhaling cigarette smoke etc.) and/or the sound which accompanies such action?
int.
v.
n.
7. BOOM How do you imitate a deep prolonged resonant sound, as of thunder or artillery fire? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
8. BUBBLE How do you imitate a gurgling sound produced by boiling water or sparkling water? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)? And how do you name a nearly spherical body of gas contained in such liquids?
int.
v.
n.
9. BUZZ How do you imitate a rapidly vibrating humming sound (e.g. of a bee or another insect)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
10. CHEW How do you imitate various sounds one produces while chewing, biting upon or grinding sth. (e.g. an apple)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
11. CHIRP How do you imitate a short high-pitched sound uttered by a bird? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
12. CHOKE How do you imitate a sound one produces when having trouble breathing, swallowing, or speaking (especially if something is blocking the windpipe)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
13. CHOP How do you imitate an abrupt sharp sound produced while cutting something with a blow (e.g. an axe or other sharp tool)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
14. CLAP How do you imitate and name a sound and the act of striking sharply, especially with the open hand or a flat object or a sound produced when one strikes the palms of one’s hands against one another resoundingly, and repeatedly, especially to express approval?
int.
v.
n.
15. CLASH How do you imitate a loud harsh jarring sound, as of colliding metal objects? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
16. CLICK How do you imitate a short light often metallic sound (e.g. of the latch)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
17. CLUCK How do you imitate a low clicking sound made by a hen? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
18. COCK-A-DOODLE How do you imitate a crowing of a rooster? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
19. COO How do you imitate a soft murmuring sound (of a pigeon or dove)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
20. COUGH How do you imitate a harsh noise often involuntarily produced when somebody has a cold by abruptly expelling air from the lungs? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
21. CRACK How do you imitate a sudden sharp sound (e.g. of a whip)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
22. CRASH How do you imitate a loud noise as of solid objects smashing or colliding (e.g. vehicles)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
23. CREAK How do you imitate a harsh scraping or squeaking sound made by an object when being moved or when pressure is applied (often said about the stairs)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
24. CROACK How do you imitate a low, hoarse cry made by a crow? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
25. CUCKOO How do you imitate the call of a cuckoo? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)? Provide the name of the bird itself.
int.
v.
n.
26. DING How do you imitate a ringing sound made in imitation of the sound of a bell? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
27. DROP How do you imitate a sound made by falling raindrops? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
28. DRUM How do you imitate a sound of a rhythmical beating of a percussion instrument or any similar sound? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)? How do you name the instrument itself?
int.
v.
n.
29. FLOP How do you imitate an abrupt noise made by flapping (of wings etc.)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
30. FLUSH How do you imitate a sound of water, such as that of waves on a beach or of a sudden flow or gush? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
31. FIE Write down the sound you utters in disgust (e.g. upon breathing in some foul odor). How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
32. GAGGLE How do you imitate a gabbling or cackling sound uttered by geese? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
33. GNAW How do you name an act of biting at or nibbling something persistently and sound which accompanies such an act?
int.
v.
n.
34. GOBBLE How do you imitate a loud rapid gurgling sound made by male turkeys? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
35. GROAN Write down the low mournful sound you utter when in pain or grief. How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
36. GROWL How do you imitate a low threatening sound, usually guttural and constrained? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
37. GURGLE How do you imitate a low throaty bubbling noise? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
38. HICCUP How do you imitate a hiccup (a quick, involuntary inhalation that follows a spasm of the diaphragm and is suddenly checked by closure of glottis, producing a short, relatively sharp sound)? How do you name it? How do you name the action of hiccupping?
int.
v.
n.
39. HISS How do you imitate a quiet voiceless fricative sound uttered e.g. by a snake? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
40. HIT How do you imitate a sound produced as a result of dealing a blow? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
41. HOOT How do you imitate a cry of an owl? How do you name such cry? How do you name the action of producing such cry?
int.
v.
n.
42. HOWL How do you imitate a long plaintive cry or wail characteristic of a wolf or hound? How do you name such cry? How do you name the action of producing such cry?
int.
v.
n.
43. HUM Write down the sound produced as a result of singing with closed lips. How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
44. HUSH Write down the sound you utter in a plea or demand for silence. How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
45. JABBER How do you imitate a sound of people talking, esp. rapidly and incoherently? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
46. JERK How do you name an abrupt movement often accompanied by a sound? How do you name such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
47. KISS How do you name a sound accompanying touching with lips and the name of the act itself (kissing)? How do you name the action of kissing?
int.
v.
n.
48. KNOCK How do you imitate A sharp sound made by striking a hard surface, especially on a door? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
49. LAUGH How do you imitate different kinds of laughter? How do you different kinds of laughter? How do you name the action of laughing?
int.
v.
n.
50. LICK How do you name an act of passing one’s tongue over the surface of sth., as to moisten, taste, or eat (e.g. ice cream) and the sounds that may accompany it?
int.
v.
n.
51. MEW How do you imitate a characteristic high-pitched cry of a cat? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
52. MOAN Write down the prolonged, inarticulate sound uttered from or as if from physical or mental suffering. How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
53. MOO How do you imitate a characteristic deep long sound of a cow or bull? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
54. MURMUR How do you imitate a continuous low indistinct sound, as of distant voices? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
55. NEIGH How do you imitate the neighing of a horse? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
56. OINK How do you imitate the grunt of a pig? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
57. PEEP How do you imitate a shrill small prolonged note uttered by a bird? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
58. POP How do you imitate a light sharp explosive sound (of e.g. a firearm or champagne)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
59. PURR How do you imitate a low murmuring sound, as of a satisfied cat? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
60. QUACK How do you imitate a characteristic harsh guttural sound of a duck? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
61. RATTLE How do you imitate a rapid succession of short, sharp knocking sounds, as of loose pellets colliding when shaken in a container? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
62. RIBBIT How do you imitate a low, hoarse cry of frogs or toads? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
63. RING How do you imitate A clear resonant sound, as a bell when struck? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
64. RIP How do you name an act of cutting or tearing apart in a rough or vigorous manner (e.g. paper or cloth)? How do you name sound(s) accompanying it?
int.
v.
n.
65. ROAR How do you imitate a loud, deep cry or howl, as of an animal (e.g. tiger) or a person? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
66. RUB How do you name an act of moving one's hand or a cloth repeatedly back and forth on the surface of sth. with firm pressure; and a sound accompanying such action?
int.
v.
n.
67. RUMBLE How do you imitate a deep continuous resonant sound of a person's stomach due to hunger? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
68. RUSTLE How do you imitate a low crisp whispering or rubbing sound, as of dry leaves or paper? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
69. SCRATCH How do you imitate a rasping or grating noise made by scraping something, often on a hard surface? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
70. SCREAM How do you imitate a loud, sharp, and piercing cry (often of a terrified person) or any loud, shrill high-pitched noise? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
71. SHOUT How do you imitate a loud and vigorous call or cry? How do you name such cry? How do you name the action of producing such cry?
int.
v.
n.
72. SHUFFLE How do you name an act of walking without lifting one’s feet fully off the ground and a sound accompanying such action?
int.
v.
n.
73. SIGH How do you imitate a noise heard when a person lets his or her breath audibly, as from sorrow, or relief? How do you name such noise? How do you name the action of producing such noise(s)?
int.
v.
n.
74. SIZZLE How do you imitate a hissing sound characteristic of frying fat? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
75. SLAP How do you name an act of dealing a sharp blow or a smack as with the open hand, something flat, etc.; and a sound accompanying such action?
int.
v.
n.
76. SNEEZE How do you imitate the sound of sneezing? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
77. SNIFF How do you imitate a sound of drawing air through the nose in short audible inhalations? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
78. SNORE How do you imitate a hoarse or harsh sound caused by the vibrating of the soft palate while sleeping? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
79. SNORT How do you imitate A loud harsh sound animals make when they force their breath violently through the nostrils? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
80. SPIT How do you name an act of ejecting saliva from the mouth and a sound accompanying such action?
int.
v.
n.
81. SPLASH How do you imitate A sound made by something falling into liquid or falling upon (something) in scattered masses or particles, as a liquid does? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
82. STAMMER How do you name a manner of speech with sudden involuntary pauses esp. as a result of a speech disorder or through fear, stress, etc.? How do you name the action of speaking in such way?
int.
v.
n.
83. STAMP How do you name an act of striking or beating with a forcible, downward thrust of the foot? A sound that may accompany such an action?
int.
v.
n.
84. SUCK How do you imitate a noise heard when a person ingests food or drink? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
85. SWALLOW How do you name an act of consuming liquid especially in large drafts and/or a sound accompanying such action?
int.
v.
n.
86. TAP How do you imitate a sound of a light blow or a barely audible knock?
int.
v.
n.
87. THUMP How do you imitate a muffled sound of something landing heavily on a surface or a sound accompanying a heavy dull blow? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
88. THUNDER How do you name a loud cracking or deep rumbling noise heard during a thunder storm? How do you imitate it? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
89. TICKLE How do you name a light touch or prod (a person or a part of the body) in a way that causes itching and often laughter? How do you name this action?
int.
v.
n.
90. TOOT How do you imitate a short blast, hoot, or whistle of a horn or trumpet, or similar instrument? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
91. TREMBLE How do you name an act of shaking involuntarily, as with cold or fear and a sound that may accompany such action?
int.
v.
n.
92. VOMIT How do you name an act of ejecting contents of the stomach through the mouth? A sound that may accompany such action?
int.
v.
n.
93. VROOM How do you imitate a roaring sound made by a motor at high speed? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
94. WEEP How do you imitate a low complaining cry or sound that little children utter as from uneasiness, discontent, or peevishness; also any cry accompanied with tears? How do you name such cry? How do you name the action of producing such cry?
int.
v.
n.
95. WHEEZE How do you imitate a whistling sound a person makes when breathing with difficulty (as when a person has asthma)? How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
96. WHISPER How do you name a sound imitating speaking in a soft hushed tone without vibration of the vocal cords? How do you name such manner of speaking?
int.
v.
n.
97. WHISTLE How do you name a high-pitched, warbling sound produced by the forcible expulsion of the breath through a small opening formed by contracting the lips (whistling)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
98. WHOOSH How do you name an act of moving swiftly with a gushing or hissing noise? How do you imitate a swirling or rustling sound accompanying such movement? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.
99. YAWN How do you name an act of yawning? How do you imitate it?
int.
v.
n.
100. YELP Write down the sound you utter, when you are hurt (e.g. upon touching a hot kettle). How do you name such sound(s)? How do you name the action of producing such sound(s)?
int.
v.
n.























above